Second Round GT World Challenge Asia 2026 to be Held in Mandalika Circuit in May

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The second round of GT World Challenge Asia 2026 will soon take place at the Mandalika International Circuit in West Nusa Tenggara's Lombok island on May 1–3, 2026. It will bring together 23 cars and 46 drivers from 17 countries across Asia.

Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufik Hidayat, expressed his support for the event. He appreciated all parties involved and hopes the event can produce national and global racers.

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports congratulates the GT World Challenge Asia 2026. We wish our international guests a successful and safe experience, as we aim to produce future talented national and international racers," Taufik said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, April 6, 2026.

"Finally, let's work together to make the GT World Challenge Asia 2026 a success and keep promoting the advancement of sports and tourism in Indonesia," he said.

Taufik stated that the Mandalika Circuit possesses a unique appeal that has the potential to attract global attention. Thus, he stated it can served as a platform to promote Indonesian tourism and boost local economic growth.

"The GT World Challenge is not just a racing event, but also a strategy to develop sports tourism in Indonesia," he said.

President Director of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association, Priandhi Satria, said that the GT World Challenge Asia will feature both amateur and professional drivers. One of the highlights this year is participation of an Indonesian well-known driver Sean Gelael, who will make his debut at the Mandalika International Circuit.

"This year, the car specifications have been adjusted to the 2026 version. There will be a total of 23 cars and 46 drivers from 17 countries. From Indonesia, Sean Gelael has already confirmed his participation," Priandhi said.

"Furthermore, we will also invite ten female drivers to participate in this championship in commemoration of Kartini Day," he continued, referring to an Indonesian national day for women celebrated every 21 April.

GT World Challenge Asia 2026 marks the seventh season of the GT World Challenge Asia, with eleven teams competing, as quoted from its website. The event at Mandalika is the second round, following the opening round held in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, last weekend.